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Just 

Human Rehire 

by 

IDAEMAY CLARENDON KLINE 




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COPYRIGHT, 1922 BY I. M. C. KLINE. 



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A few thoughts expressed in written word, 
That my love for humanity might be heard ; 
That all who read these lines may happiness know 
And lives be blessed through sunset's glow. 

I. M. C. K. 



PREFACE. 

To whomsoever readeth this book : 

Walking along the street one day, 
A piece of white paper before me lay ; 
On picking it up what should I see, 
But a poem entitled "In Bohemia." 

I looked for the author, no name could I find, 
A leaf torn from a book was clear to my mind ; 
On both sides it was printed without name or 

date, 
And it worried me much it should meet such a 

fate. 

A vow then I made had I anything printed, 
My name it should hold, as I have just hinted ; 
And if you should find a leaf from my book, that 

part is there, 
To cheer you, and bless you. reader friends' dear. 

Rhythm and meter Pegasus oft' will not heed, 
For this I do not ask of praise a full meed ; 
But beautiful thoughts in my mind will come, 
And I feel constrained to write some of them 

down 
To amuse, to profit, to help and to cheer, 
For all of God's children are held most dear. 
Nov. 1, 1916. 

This volume contains selections from my writ- 
ings for the past twenty-five years or more. Most 
of my poems having been previously published. 



The above preface was written as you see, 
Nov. 1, 1916, containing ten lines more which 
have been omitted ; and at which time I expected 
to have a book of my collected poems published. 
I have written many things since; and now that 
I am about to give the contents of this volume to 
the publisher, I wish to add that all my life I have 
had but one combined desire and one combined 
aim in life, to do all the good I could to others 
both singly and collectively ; to be respected, to be 
treated fair and square, and to be loved. 

Jan. 30, 1922. I. M. O. K. 



ON GOING TO PRESS: 

To numerous friends to whom I have written 
poems in the past, I have here omitted on account 
of being out of politics. 

To those friends who have pleaded with me to 
leave out all names except my own and that only 
on the title page, I will say : 

For comment and conventionality I do not care 

one bit, 
My little innovations a new style should surely set. 



THE WONDROUS WORKS OF GOD. 

By M&itmay Clarendon Kline. 

(To me a lover and student of all nature, God's 
most wonderful creation is the brain, the intelli- 
gence of all animal life.) 

Out in the barn this morning 

Leaning beside a stall, 
Waiting for little homie 

To list unto my call ; 
I saw her bright eyes shining 

So large, so luminous, so bright, 
And her wondrous calfie beauty 

Filled my thoughts with keen delight. 
All around was straw and clover. 

Weeds and grasses, corn in bloom, 
All mixed up in piles together, 

Yet as distinct and far apart 
As those lustrous eyes of homie, 

And the beating of my heart. 

Well, this set my mind to thinking 

Of the wondrous works of God ; 
How the numerous grains and grasses, 
Healing plants, fruits, minerals, shrubs and 

trees, 
Precious jewels rare, flowers and weeds, 

7 



JUST HUMAN NATURE 

All mixed up in piles together, 

Yet as distinct and far apart 
As those lustrous eyes of horaiie, 

And the beating of my heart. 

Then the ants and bugs and beetles. 

Butterflies, and insects rare, 
All that jump and crawl and creepeth 

On the ground with verdure fair. 
Higher then the scale ascending, 

Squirrels and rabbits, fawn and deer, 
Quadrupeds whose sounds the forests rending. 
Gnat to elephant, seal to polar bear. 
Playful kittens, faithful dogs, 

Beauty horse and patient mule, 
Fruitful chicks, and luscious swine, 
Wondrous cows whose lives we share, 

Never caring, never heeding as a rule. 

Flying all around, above us 

Birds whose songs so free from care, 
Lifting up our souls to heaven, 

And we know that God is there. 
Earth and water, fish and fowls, 
And beasts and fruits and grains, 
All mixed up in piles together. 

Yet as distinct and far apart 
As those lustrous eyes of homie, 

And the beating of my heart. 



JUST HUMAN NATURE 9 

So wandered my thoughts to the human race, 
How we think, and act, and speak, and live ; 
From whence we come and where we go — till 

out in space 
A great star shoots across the sky, and the 

moon gives 
A radiant light o'er field and lawn and dell, 
And all the world is hushed in sleep, 
And I feel the vastness lulled, and all is well. 

A great car rolls on its iron bed, 

A rumbling noise disturbs repose ; 
And cities throb with heavy tread, 

A striving, struggling, mass are those 
Who seek — some food, some wealth, 

Some love, some fame, some art, 
Some beauty, some sweet sounds, some health ; 

All seek for peace eternal ; some with break- 
ing hearts 
That the great rush and noise of human mart 

Wearies the brain, the soul, from life apart. 
A great mass of human passions, 
Love and hate, right and wrong, 
And good and ill; 
All mixed up in piles together, 

Yet as distinct and far apart 
As those lustrous eyes of homie, 

And the beating of my heart. 
July, 1916. 



10 JUST HUMAN NATURE 

SPIRITUALISM. 

By Ido/emay Clarendon Kline. 

There are two great forces in nature : 
One is health and life, 
The other is decay and death. 
One is evil and one is good, 
One is the devil and one is God. 
June, 1920. 

KINDRED SPIRITS. 

By Idaernay Clarendon Kline. 

Through my window comes the perfume of new- 
mown hay, 

And amid the clanging whir of reapers 

I view the enchanted land of Arcady : 

Such trees, such shrubbery, such foliage and vel- 
vet carpets of grass, 

Mid-summers balmy breezes, sweet and fragrant 
as they pass ; 

I long for kindred spirits to enjoy the beauties 
I enjoy, 

For if such souls were here my happiness would 
be complete without alloy. 
July 10, 1912. 

TO A STRAY FLOWER. 

By Idnemajy Clarendon Kline. 

How can I describe your beauty, 
My little flower in bloom; 



JUST HUMAN NATURE 11 

All alone as if on duty, 
Outside the window of my room. 

My thoughts confused and dreary, 
I spied the beauty of your bloom, 
With head above the grass so cheery, 
A small pink rose outside my room. 

In a twinkle how you made my mind so happy 
That care should leave; and I thought how 

lucky 
I could see the beauty of the sky, and trees 

and moon, 
All because of one modest, little pink bloom, 
One flower outside the window of my room. 
July 10, 1917. 

THE ROBINS. 

By Idaemay Clarendon Kline. 

Red-breasted Robins so trim and so neat, 
Out in the snow with your small, dainty feet; 
Chirping and skipping and delving your beak 
All over the yard for good grub to eat. 

So early you come to tell us of spring, 
To cheer us all up this message you bring ; 
To make our hearts glad that winter's most o'er, 
That we've survived its cold blasts, and don't wish 
for more. 



12 JUST HUMAN NATURE 

So we hope little birdies you will stay with us 
here, 

We will watch your bright plumes and your chirp- 
ings of cheer ; 

We will cast away care with the promise you 
bring 

Of warmth and of sunshine and beautiful spring. 
Feb. 24, 1920. 

TO A CAGED BIRD. 

By Idaemay Clarendon Kline. 

In a gilded cage in a dining-room, 

Hopped a canary bird with brilliant plume; 

Its song that was gay and full of cheer, 

Had lost its beauty and was very drear ; 

And as I listened and tried to hear, 

This real heart melody floated out on the air: 

I'm a bird, I'm a bird; I must be out in the fields 

Or on the trees to be heard ; 

I cannot live in the cities or on the street, 

Where I can not stretch my wings or sing so sweet 

As out in the meadows far away, 

Where flowers bloom, among the grass and the 

hay. 
Away, away, to the woodlands side, 
I'll journey hence and there abide. 

r- 
Oh, my tired brain for the woods so green, 
And the crystal spring and the quiet stream ; 
And my breaking heart for love of my kind, 



JUST HUMAN NATURE 13 

Till my song grows weary and my tongue is tied. 

Oh, for comrades cheery, and comrades gay, 

To still my heart's longing and bring back my lay. 

Open, oh bars — of this gilded cage, 

And hearken, oh mates, of the forest glades! 

Come to my rescue my mate with thy crest, 

And my heart will ever thrill with my head on 

thy breast. 
Oh come, now I sing, far away 'twill be heard, 
My mate to the rescue of a heart-broken bird. 
Then away, away, to the woodlands side, 
We will journey hence and there abide. 
March 18, 1914. 

THE ROLL OF HONOR. 

By Idaemay Clarendon Kline. 

With eyes so blank, and marble face, 
And form so cold, has lost its grace, 
And heart so still whence life has flown, 
Oh cruel death, he is thine own. 

Brave soldier lads in this great war, 
Fighting for freedom as ne'er before ; 
Steadfastly clasping the hand of death, 
While we mourn you here with hearts bereft. 

give us back our soldiers brave, 
Our souls rebel at death's cold grave ; 
Repay the debt Almighty God! 
"Vengeance is Mine," we know Thy word, 
June 7, 1918. 



14 JUST HUMAN NATURE 

PEACE. 

By Idiaemay Clarendon Kline. 

We are happy in our homes once more, 
For the Dove of Peace sings as of yore ; 
All hearts to others' good, unfurl, 
For "Peace, Good-will" must rule the world. 

The air is hushed from cannons roar, 
The sky is blue with patient lore ; 
The sun shines bright on hill and dale, 
For WAR will never come again. 

The farmers happy o'er their tasks ; 
With zest the tradesmen lift the latch ; 
All people dance and laugh with glee, 
For War is past o'er land and sea. 

Now all the world one song should sing, 

"Sweet peace on earth, Good-will to Men !" 

And harvests bounteous crops all countries now 

afford, 
For Peace reigns o'er the earth, with one accord. 
November 20, 1918. 

OPTIMISM. 

We should all be happy together 

In fine or cloudy weather ; 

And such happiness should make us sing 

Till the earth with harmony and peace would ring, 

And all mankind our song would sing. 

By Idaemajy Clarendon Kline 

April 8, 1916. 



JUST HUMAN NATURE 15 

THE CHURCH AND THE BIBLE. 

By Idaftmay Clarendon Kline. 

Head the Bible one and all, 

Read the Bible, hear its call; 

Words of wisdom, faith, and light attend, 

With Christ the teacher, preacher, friend. 

The best institution of which man could conceive 
Is the Church, we all know and devoutly believe; 
To fight sin and the devil its object and aim, 
To gain earthly perfection and heaven attain. 

Then to Church we should go in this sin-laden 

world, 
Twill help all to live better with Christ's banner 

unfurled ; 
Keep the cross as your standard which we all 

have to bear, 
It will lighten your sorrows and lessen your care. 
Thanksgiving day, 1920. 

SOME TRUTHS. 

By Idaemay Clarendon Kline. 

Some truths I have learned and learned them well, 
To share with you these truths I tell ; 
To help some souls along life's devious road, 
To lighten cares or lift some load. 

Never speak ill of your fellowman or woman, 
Unless they have harmed you beyond all that is 
human ; 



1G JUST HUMAN NATURE 

And then don't say one word, or do one thing. 

j ust wait ! 
For they (in some way) will get it back, for that 

is fate. 

The hardest thing when injustice has been done, 
Is to control your thoughts and silence your 

tongue ; 
When your tongue has been conquered and silence 

attained, 
Oh, what you have accomplished ! and what you 

have gained ! 

For sooner or later 

When anyone gives trouble, sorrow or pain, 
It will always return and ever remain ; 
When anyone gives justice, happiness or pleasure, 
They get it all back in bounteous measure. 
August 18, 1919. 

SPRING. 

By Idaemiay Clarendon Kline. 

The spring rushes o'er me with a glad happy 

smile, 
And nature's bright sunshine my senses beguile; 
While her waters sparkle brightly and dance a* 

in glee, 
And her budding and blooming are entrancing to 

see. 



JUST HUMAN NATURE 17 

All tired, slumbering nature from age and repose, 
Feels the joy of new life as the springtime un- 
folds, 
And hastens to meet the bright sunrays so warm, 
And forget all the ills that cold winter hath worn. 

The birds sing so sweetly as they perch on the 
trees, 

And contentment and solace seem the hum of 
the bees ; 

While cattle and sheep graze where grass grows 
so green, 

And the hills and the valleys are bright and se- 
rene. 

And the visions of trees and flowers in bloom, 
With calm peaceful air laden rich with perfume, 
Fill the mind with new beauty to toil on life's 

road, 
To work for the right, with love for our God. 
March 18, 1903. 

TAMPA. 

By Maemay Clarendon Kline. 

The clouds and moon and stars seem so near our 
earth here, 

I gaze enraptured on a moonlight night so de- 
bonair ; 

And wish a passing cloud would open a pearly 
gate up there, 



18 JUST HUMAN NATURE 

Where we could know the rapture of celestial be- 
ings rare. 

I have gazed on the cotton growing in the South, 

The orange and banana trees ; 
I have eaten the luscious, silvery trout, 

And the honey from busy bees. 

1 have viewed the Hotel Tampa Bay, 

May its wonders never cease ; 
Its park with shrubs and flowers gay, 

Its wealth of trees stirred by the breeze. 

Tampa's beautiful homes, and streets, and parks, 
and boulevards ; 
The luxuriant growth of trees, and shrubs, and 
flowers ; 
And the blue Bay of Tampa with its lights, and 
crafts, and barge, 
While the blessed rays of sunshine is her dower. 

Her men and women are as fair as ever trod this 

balmy earth; 
And her hospitality will give all who enter here 

new birth. 
Her music, good fellowship, and laughter, charm 

those who here I ween; 
For of all the cities I have seen, beautiful Tampa 

is their Queen. 



JUST HUMAN NATURE 19 

TAMPA BAY. 

By I da* may Clarendon Kline. 

the beautiful waters of Tampa Bay, 
How they dance and gurgle on their way 
To meet the gulf and broad dark sea, 
That keep vast treasures of the briny deep. 

That touch the strands of the coral reefs, 
And the Arctic zone where the sun is brief, 
And the isles of spice where the lotus grows, 
And the sun-kissed lands where beauty glows. 

That sing of the ages, of grief, and repose, 
And blend with the sky as onward they flow ; 
That temper the north wind where warmth they 

bring, 
And linger in the tropics where love is king. 

IRELAND. 

By Idaemay Clarendon Kline. 

Ireland, dear Ireland! with your shamrocks so 

green, 
Your hills and your valleys so fair to be seen ; 
Your lakes and your rivers all travelers enhance. 
And the glens of your forests where Druids have 

danced. 

From the depth of your bosom, poets, wits and 
singers have sprung, 

And like pearls 'round the earth are your daugh- 
ters and sons ; 



20 JUST HUMAN NATURE 

Then may freedom's flag ever wave o'er your land 

with a smile, 
Is the toast that I offer dear old Emerald Isle. 
April 3, 1918. 

—1917— 
A GREETING FOR THE NEW YEAR. 

By Idatinay Clarendon Kline. 

Tis the joyous season of yuletide; 
May peace and happiness with thee abide ; 
Health, and blessings, and good cheer, 
Be yours and mine the coming year. 

Though far away thy face and voice I cannot see, 

Still, thoughts are thine, and in my heart I treas- 
ure thee, 

And clasp thy hand and smile, and wish thy pres- 
ence here, 

And pray that fate will bring my friends in one 
unbroken circle near. 

A BEAUTIFUL ROAD. 

By Idaemay Clarendon Kline. 

There is a stretch of road down in Kentucky, 
For those who live near it think they are most 

lucky. 
A white belt winding over hill and dale, 
On either side green fields and mossy dells. 
Along this road runs an electric Car, 
And Autos speed without jolt or jar. 



JUST HUMAN NATURE 21 

Those who travel along this road, 
Seem in Paradise, without a load 
To mar the enchantment of the beauteous scene, 
And life in Cars, and Autos, glides on as in a 
dream. 

There the stars, and sun, and moon, beam 
Most benignly, grandly, and serene; 
And the pure winds, warm or cold that blow 
On grassy meadows, clover fields or snow— 

And the cattle by the roadside, 
And the birds on the trees, 
All are as happy as the crickets and the bees. 
And we love these beauteous pictures, 
That here I fain would tell— ah well, 
To see them you must travel, the road 
Which leads from Shelbyville to Louisville. 
September 7, 1915. 

ONE PESKY LITTLE FLY. 

By Idaf-mmy Clarendon Kline. 

One sultry summer afternoon, 
While the corn was still in waving bloom, 
And low in the sky hung the harvest moon. 
And breezes slept from their daily drone; 
All nature seemed calm and in peace serene, 
When on my couch I lay behind numerous screens 
And tried to sleep undisturbed by dreams. 
As mv mind was lulled in sweet renose, 



22 JUST HUMAN NATURE 

And all things faded in a gentle doze, 
One pesky little fly lit on my nose, 
And it tickled — 

Children out on the lawn at play, 
Never heeding the warmth of that summer day ; 
The trees looked down so calm and still, 
And the clouds soared high without breeze or rill. 
Down on the beach the bathers bathed, 
And hailed with delight the cooling wave ; 
While on my couch I lay behind numerous screens, 
And tried to sleep undisturbed by dreams. 
As my mind was lulled in sweet repose, 
And all things faded in a gentle doze, 
That pesky little fly lit on my nose ; 
And just as fast as I could chase it away, 
It would come again on my face to stay, 
And it tickled — ! 
August 28, 1914. 

IF. 

By Idaemay Clarendon Kline. 

Any one can be perfect in orthography, 
If, they take time to consult a dictionary. 

Any one can arrive on time, and be merry, 
If, too many things do not them contrary. 

Any one can have wealth and not miss, 
If, they have great brains to sell. 

Any one can have peace and happiness, 
If with the "right one" they can dwell. 



JUST HUMAN NATURE 23 

No one on earth would ever know an knell, 

If, the human mind had not degenerated ; 
And perfection all mankind would spell, 
If, "IF" from life could be eliminated. 
May 12, 1917. 

POULTRY. 

By Idaemay Clarendon Klin? 

"Chickee, Chickee, Chickee !" 

With feathers and plumes so gay to see, 

They spread their wings and run with glee. 

And chatter and prattle so merrily, 

To pick the clover on the lea, 

"Chickee, Chickee, Chickee !" 

They set so patiently on their nests, 
And get so cross when you disturb their rest, 
And mother such downy, feathery balls, 
With coal-black eyes, and beaks that squall, 
And feet that scratch and hunt the sand, 
And toddle home, on their roosts to land. 

We watch these chicks with a patient eye, 
For we know how delicious they are to fry ; 
And we could not do without their eggs, 
To bake our dainty pies and cakes. 

And what is better than a baked chicken pie? 
When you are enjoying it you don't want to die, 
Or give up your life for cannibals to eat, 
For our flesh to them might just taste as sweet. 



24 JUST HUMAN NATURE 

No, we can not do without thee chick-a-dee, 
So this little song I sing to thee ; 
And watch you run with outstretched wings, 
Happy, not caring what the future brings. 

"Chickee, Chickee, Chickee!" 
With feathers and plumes so gay to see, 
Spread out your wings and run with glee, 
And chatter and prattle so merrily, 
To pick the clover on the lea, 
"Chickee, Chickee, Chickee !" 
May, 1912. 

ECHOES. 

By Idaemaiy Clarendon Kline. 

(Was written before my 12th year.) 

A timid bird from its nest awoke, 
One morning bright and fair; 
Chirping and buoyant its wings unfurled, 
Soared high, 'twas lost in ether air. 

When in the flush of morning, 
I heard that bird's sweet song, 

Down in my heart it echoed, 
All through the bright day long. 

And when night's cold shadows 

Darken land and sea, 
That sweet bird's song of the morning, 

Is wafted back to me. 



JUST HUMAN NATURE 25 

Thus in childhood's cloudless morning 
Rosy day-dreams our mind adorning; 
When life, and hope, and faith, are new, 
We listen to our heart's song true, 
That echoes cheerful, bright, and young, 
Till angels 'round us throng; 
And pray that they will guide our feet, 
And fill our life with cheer complete, 
Till happiness all echoes doth repeat, 
And hills resound with music sweet ; 
And may such blissful sounds go on and on, 
Till earth is heaven, and heaven is won. 

THE RIGHT KIND OF SMILES. 

By Idacmajy Clarendon Kline. 

When on your way to school you stump your toe, 

And want to scream or cry or make a show, 

For it hurts so bad we all of us know, 

Then THINK it don't hurt; I trow, I trow! 

For THIS I'll not give way to my woe; 

['11 just smile, and smile, 

And forget the pain for a little while. 

When you meet with envy or jealousy bold, 

Or false deceit who are after your gold, 

Who pretend so much and make you nothing at 

all, 
Who with wrong smiles and sneers to harass your 

gall, 
Will rob you of your mind, your peace, your all — 



26 JUST HUMAN NATURE 

Then come with your might from against the 

wall, 
And smile; and smile in your heart and face and 

mind — 
Till wrongs are conquered for all time; 
For the right kind of smile will vanquish the 

wrong, 
And tramp sin under your feet where wicked ones 

throng. 
March 18, 1917. 

SLEEP. 

By Idaeunaty Clarendon Kline. 

Another day has passed away, 
Another week of work is done: 
Upon my drowsy couch at close of day, 
I watch the soft glow of the moon. 

And when the sun goes slowly down 
And hides its face behind the west, 
We woo sweet slumber as a dream 
Of peace upon a tired breast. 

And as the night with stars appear, 
And sleep must come before the dawn 
To soothe away our anxious care 
Like radiance of a peaceful morn. 

Come sleep, the mother of all care, 
And close our eyes in blissful rest; 



JUST HUMAN NATURE 27 

The day is finished and our prayer 
To Him, who doeth all things best. 

Then sleep so quiet here and now, 
My eyes and mind oblivion close; 
And rest my nerves and heart and brow, 
In quiet depths of calm repose. 
June 10, 1916. 

FRIENDSHIP. 

By Idaemay Clarendon Kline. 

The grandest thing in all this world to me, 

Is thy dear face in tenderness I see ; 

A mind of noble worth, and kindness given, 

With honest friendship, to lead us on to heaven. 

1910. 

FEAR. 

By Idaeroaiy Clarendon Kline. 

The man we all love we need never fear ; 

He will not slur, nor cause a tear ; 

He will not falsify any one, 

Nor cast suspicion where it does not belong. 

We only love where there is faith and trust, 

All other where it will mold and rust ; 

A man may be great or low or high, 

If we cannot trust him we don't want him nigh. 

Our love may be true and fine and brave, 

When distrust fills the heart it has dug its grave ; 



28 JUST HUMAN NATURE 

For when faith and trust have crumbled and gone, 
Love hides its face, and is all forlorn. 
June 16, 1917. 

POOR HUMANITY ! 

By Idnemay Clarendon Kline. 

Putting on. 
When I know of our human affectations and hear 

us drop an "r," 
And some want to he "so much" when none can be 

so very far; 
Or those clothed in a little worldly authority, 
Wield an iron tongue or pen that we must bend 

the knee, 
And some rave about small trifles like an apos- 
trophe, 
That all must conform to this, that, and the other, 

you see? 
Just because a few looneys say it has to be ! 
Then I go beneath the heavens and look at a lovely 

star, 
And think what "poor fools" we human mortals 

are. 

Throwing off. 
When I hear language profane and blackguarding, 
And all moral rights and virtues disregarding, 
I try to extend a helping hand, 
That they might appreciate this blessed land, 
And be higher in the scale of human kind, 



JUST HUMAN NATURE 29 

Till their vileness hurls me hence with an ugly 

wand. 
Then I go beneath the heavens and look at a lovely 

star, 
And think what "poor fools" we human mortals 

are. 

Just right. 
What a blessed thing an even mind to have, 
And all God's works to love, and try to under- 

stand; 
And no one pretend to be so high that arrogance 

is ludicrous, 
Or so low that Purgatory should keep them from 
the rest of us. 
1916. 

TRUTH. 

By Idacnw Clarendon Kline. 

His clothes were old and tattered, 

But his soul was noble and grand ; 
His hat was torn and battered, 

But his mind was firm in its stand 
To right his erring brothers 

Who had laughed and scoffed and slammed, 
Because some envious falsifier 

Had taken his good name away 
To build a sheltered pyre, 

To cover their own, their wicked way. 



30 JUST HUMAN NATURE 

Long years he had struggled and striven 
That justice and truth should be known, 

Till his soul was hungry and shriveled 

For right and trust that should have been his 
own. 

Tottering and weary he wanders 

Down a mentally beautiful road, 
Still trying to right the slanders, 

That others hath made into stone. 

Then an angel hears his pleading, 

And taking him by the hand, 
Whispers a sweet word of greeting, 

And they are off to a better land, — 
Where all is peace and beauty 

In that shining portals new, 
And no more he will ever wander, 

For all is love, and bliss, and truth. 

April 12, 1917. 

KENTUCKY. 

By Idaemay Clarendon Kline. 

You may roam over the East and over the West, 
The North and the South, all lands that are blest, 
But the land that is good enough for me 
Is to see the hills and the vales of old Kentucky. 

Where usually the winters are not very cold, 
And the summers just right for young folks and 
old, 



JUST HUMAN NATURE 31 

And most people are good and kind-hearted and 

square, 
And that is the land my heart holds so dear — old 

Kentucky. 

How I love her hills and valleys ; 
Meadows green with purling rippling rills, 
How I love her air that dallies 
'Round enchanting scenes that thrill. 

How I love her children, men and women, 
Tis the place next heaven we'd stay, 
When we wander 'neath the sky's dominion 
And our thoughts they homeward stray. 
January 8, 1918. 

HER HANDS. 

By Idaeniay Clarendon Kline. 

(Dedicated to unmarried women who live and 
work on farms.) 

They are firm and gentle, kind and good, 
Honest and willing to do more than they should, 
Her hands. 

They can milk the cows, and butter churn, 
And wash the clothes and irons turn, 
And sweep the floors and dust the rooms, 
And play athletics in garden roons, 
Her hands. 

They can bake the bread and cakes and pies, 
And cook good meals to tempt the eyes, 



82 JUST HUMAN NATURE 

And soothe the sick and aching head, 
And comfort all the ills we dread, 
Her hands. 

They can caress piano keys till sweet music 

charms the ear, 
They can write you a letter full of love, and hope 

and cheer : 
Or shoulder a musket and off to roam, 
To fight for her country and loved ones at home, 
Her hands. 

When they are plodding along in a modest way, 
And their honesty is questioned in any way, 
They rage with righteous anger till they remem- 
ber God is just, 
And those who harm another only harm them- 
selves the most, 
Her hands. 

Yes, they can scrub, and churn, and wash and 

iron and bake, 
And cook good meals and bake good cake, 
And keep accounts or a set of books for business 

sake, 
And help humanity to higher dream when wide 

awake, 
Her hands. 

And they can flirt a bit, and love, and laugh so 

pure, 
Those two brave hands that still belong to her. 
June 26, 1917. 



JUST HUMAN NATURE 38 

FATHER. 

By Idaemay Clarendon Kline. 

The Gates of Heaven swung wide apart, 

Thence came man's image to earth ; 
With noble brow and flaming heart 

Of love, that beings here have birth, 

Without this image, man, naught we could know, 
Barren, unpeopled the universe, desolate and 
bare ; 
Life, intelligence, love supreme on woman to 
bestow, 
Toiling with arm and brain, giving all — with 
loving care. 

Nations could not be without thee father, 

Civilization would crumble and fade away; 
For thy self-sacrificing love for women and thy 
children father, 
All honor and glory, we sing thy praise, each 
day is father's day. 

MOTHER! 

Need more be said? 

Through winds that waft o'er land and sea, 

Through minds and hearts calling to thee, 

Mother- 
By Idaemay Clarendon Kline 



U JUST HUMAN NATURE 

ONLY HUMAN. 

By Idaenraiy Clarendon Kline. 

When a girl gets so far in the loving game 
To wish her sweetheart human, 
She will meditate and think this way, 
That is, if she is a woman. 

When our loved one opes his dreamy eyes, 

And dons his shirt, and collar and tie, 

And gazes at a soggy, sodden sky, 

And thinks of me ; and says, "What weather this 

is, 
To tramp the streets and attend to biz;" 
Then we know that he is human. 

W 7 hen he goes to the table and eats boiled eggs, 
And bread and cheese and potato cakes, 
And appetizers that tempt the eye, 
We are very pleased with a happy sigh, 
For we know that he is human. 

When we go to his office to have something done. 
And he turns us down with an inward frown, 
And another favors with a prettier face and 

gown, 
And we wander forlorn through a gay old town, 
Then we know he is a bit too human. 

And when he returns to our parlor door, 
And says, "I love you more than I could ever love 
her," 



JUST HUMAN NATURE 35 

And other things I cannot here mention, 
You will forgive and forget all contention, 
For we are all only human. 

The above verse is only my imaginings, 
For men usually never do such things ; 
But who of us women are going to care, 
When there are others who think we are fair, 
For we are all only just human. 
December, 1912. 

PURELY IMPERSONAL ADMIRATION. 

By Ida&may Clarendon Kline. 

If you see a child in its innocent youth, 

If you are human you will love it in very truth. 

If you gaze on the sky and flowers and trees, 
Their beauty entrances, and you love all these. 

If you know of mortals who are generous, noble, 
high and kind, 

They will appeal just like the above, and with a 
pure mind 

We call admiration love. So when I say I love 
that kind of men 

Like William and Henry, Christopher, Jonnie and 
Hen — and more — a thousand and ten, 

Love is only admiration for good qualities pos- 
sessed by noble men, and women. 
April 21, 1917, 



36 JUST HUMAN NATURE 

EXCERPT FROM LETTER TO A FRIEND. 

I take this opportunity to tell you how I feel 
about men and women who do something out of 
the ordinary. Something that stirs a responsive 
kinship of the soul. In reading an article or 
poem, or seeing pictures or sculpture, or hearing 
a beautiful voice or a fine instrumentalist, or see- 
ing a beautiful face or form, or viewing any of 
the beauties of nature, all of these things have ex- 
actly and entirely the same effect on me. To me 
there is no such a thing as sex in my admiration ; 
I love all these things alike — entirely. 

You whom I know, Mr. , whom I have 

never seen, and a great many others I might 
name, some I know personally and some I do not, 
— you are ALL, all alike to me. I love the mind, 
the soul that can produce works that make human 
kind better, and nobler, and happier that they 
have lived. That is my liking, that is my admir- 
ation, that is my love. The pure, beautiful, true 
thoughts of admiration I call love, the love of ev- 
ery pure soul ; that is all. 

By Idaemay Clarendon Kline. 

January, 1917. 



JUST HUMAN NATURE 37 

TO DR. COTTELL. 

By Idaemay Clarendon Kline. 

The Organ peals— we hear its swell — 
Enchanting music that stirs the wells 
Of human hearts. We list enraptured ; for well 
We know the wondrous brain and magic touch 
Of Dr. Henry A. Cottell. 

We turn the pages of brochure, Practitioner and 

News, 
Magazine, books so rare ; enrapt his views 
We read on all things useful, beautiful to tell ; 
We know the wondrous brain and magic touch 
Or Dr. Henry A. Cottell. 

When sorrow or grief, we bear. 
When accidents or disease we share, 
Who brings us back to hope and health so well, 
The wondrous brain and magic touch 
Of Dr. Henry A. Cottell 

When entertainment, cheer, uplift we seek, 
When buffeted by care, and work, heartsick and 

meek, 
When rest above all wrong, he, a kindly friend 

we seek, 
Whose life of helpful love to humankind 
Who live to sing his praise — and tell — 
- Of the wondrous mind and magic touch 
Of Dr, Henry A. Cottell. 
August 20, 1916. 



38 JUST HUMAN NATURE 

THE AWARD. 
Semper fidelis. 

Call in the muses and the graces now, 
Let them draw near in rank and fine array : 
Among them all who takes the prize to-day, 
Receives her coronet with lowly brow ! 
A toast is love as all the Saints allow, 
Nor less in fame is hope, the muses say; — 
Decked in her festal wreaths and flowers gay, 
O Faith be crowned, for queen of all art thou ! 

Now of all friends I've known in early days, 
Kept in my heart's best custody for years, 
Let me be still the cynosure and sign — 
In honor, admiration, and in praise ; — 
Ne'er pass her by, O poets, friends, and peers, 
Ever with Faith crown faithful Ida Kline! 
And I have the honor to be 
Ever your friend, 

H. A. COTTELL. 
October 5, 1916. 

JAMES WHITCOMB RILEY. 

By Idaemay Clarendon Kline. 

There is sadness in the world today, 
A nation's loved poet has passed away ; 
With reverent head and bended knee, 
Dear Lord, we give him back to Thee. 



JUST HUMAN NATURE 39 

When gloom and darkness obscured the light, 
Thy sunny verses helped bear the fight 
To conquer wrong and win the right, 
Though foes assailed with bitter might. 

A nation's heart with one accord 

Sinks deep in grief. No more thy word 

From thy great soul to cheer and bless us will be 

heard. 
The world is swept by a kindred wave to better, 

nobler be— 
Because thou hast lived, and we have known thee. 
July 24, 1916. 

TO THE REV. DR. AQUILLA WEBB. 

By Idaematy Clarendon Kline. 

"The groves were God's first temples, 

Ere man learned to hew the shaft and lay the 

architrave." 
So sang an immortal bard. 

And so it was, — till winter winds that howl and 

blow, 
And frost, and sleet, and rain, and cold, and snow, 
Drove mankind to seek shelter in rude huts, and 

on and on, 
Vast sanctuaries, churches, temples, until the 

Parthenon. 



40 JUST HUMAN NATURE 

To one of these temples one Sabbath morn, 
We wended our way feeling rather forlorn, 
When beautiful music filled that lofty dome, 
That angels might echo and carry it home 
To waiting hearts, who had found hope and cheer, 
In that eloquent sermon so noble and clear, 
"Will you go away, will you go away from Christ 
who is near?" 

When we gaze on lands, and sea, and starlit sky, 

and sun, 
And grass, and trees, and ALL LIFE whose race 

is quickly run, 
We respect intuition, science, evolution, and wor- 
shippers of the sun. 
But the teachings and the influence of The Christ 

hath won 
The minds and hearts of men ; whose Divinity we 

would know, 
That the inspiration of the noble minister of God, 

with face aglow, 
An inward kinship with The Heavenly One, and 

voice so pure and clear, 
With outstretched arms, and pleading eloquence 

to bring our tears: 
"Will you go away, will you go away from Christ 

who is near?" 
November 4, 1916, 



JUST HUMAN NATURE 41 

TO HARVEY JOINER. 

By Idaemay Clarendon Kline. 

Strolling through an industrial exhibit, 
Numerous oil paintings hung against the wall ; 
When from all others where my eyes sought to 

rivet, 
Were those of a genius, delicate refinement over 
all. 

The harmony of color, the beautiful drawing, the 

dreamy scenes; 
The patient labor, the skilled touch, the mind 

serene ; 
None other could equal those marvelous beech 

trees, 
None other could show such wealth of soul, such 

glory, such ease. 

To study his pictures fills our soul with delight, 
To know him and respect him makes us happy 

and bright. 
And when we behold the changing beauties of 

earth's landscapes fair, 
We wish for such a genius to place on canvas 

scenes so rare, 
That their magic charm generations hence might 

share ; 
That such names and works might live forever 

and aye sincere, 
When they have gone to dwell among the stars, 

from earthly care. 
November 1, 1916. 



42 JUST HUMAN NATURE 

THE BROOM. 

By Idaenxay Clarendon Kline. 

What makes her stay from church so late ? 

The Broom! 
What makes her burn the bread and cake ? 

The Broom ! 
What makes her bend her back in two, 
And hate all men and women too? 

The Broom ! 

What makes her wish she had ne'er been born' 1 

The Broom ! 
What makes her hearth and home forlorn? 

The Broom! 
What fills her hands and arms with pain, 
And makes her life all lived in vain? 

The Broom ! 

What stirs from attic unto cellar wells? 

The Broom! 
What makes her plunge her soul in dells, 

The Broom ! 
And leave me here these words to tell, 
And wish another place to dwell, 

The Broom ! 

What makes the house so clean and neat? 

The Broom! 
And fills her mind with pride all friends to greet. 

The Broom ! 



JUST HUMAN NATURE 43 

But leaves her lone and limp and weak, 
And wish another home to seek, 
The Broom ! 



We send these lines to the illustrious genius 

Edison, 
To ask him to emancipate women from their 
thralldom — 

The Broom ! 
Who will invent a vacuum so good and so cheap, 
That women will nevermore have to sweep, 
But throw the monster in the briny deep, 
The Broom ! 
February 20, 1917. 

THE WORLD'S ST. PATRICK. 

By Idaemay Clarendon Kline. 

To the great and illustrious Mr. Edison 
These words I here address : 
That he be the St. Patrick of the world, 
And free us from all pests. 

Invent some things so practical and fine 
That 'twill only be a short space of time, 
Until a passing memory they will be, 
And none, not one, we will ever see. 

First rid the world of snakes, 
Then mice and rats 



44 JUST HUMAN NATURE 

That eat our grain, and clothes and hats ; 

And race the floors all night till morn, 

Till we wish such things had ne'er been born. 

Potato bugs that eat our crops, 
And laugh to see us bend our backs. 
All pests that bite and sting, ah me, 
Our great St. Edison will set us free 
With his wonderful inventions in electricity. 
February 21, 1917. 

TO MME. CARA SAPIN. 

By Idaemaiy Clarendon Kline. 

Hear the song of her exquisite voice, 
So happy and bright to make us rejoice; 
How it thrills, and trills acid warbles along, 
This gifted singer, in beautiful song. 

How she charms the ear that we may hear, 
Such tones so sweet and bright and clear ; 
Dancing and gurgling and murmuring away 

care — 
This gifted singer — with art so rare. 
April 10, 1918. 

Louisville Conservatory of Music, 
214 West Broadway, 
Louisville, Ky., Oct. 16. 
Miss Idaemay C. Kline: 

My Dear Miss Kline : Your pleasant note and 
delightful little poem are in my possession and I 



JUST HUMAN NATURE 45 

want to thank you for them both. To know that 
one's voice gives pleasure must give the singer 
great happiness. Believe me to be 

Gratefully and sincerely yours, 

Caea Sapin. 



TO STRICKLAND W. GILLILAN. 

By Idaemay Clarendon Kline. 

When imagery, dreams and fantasy fill our cup 

by noon, 
We watch and wait for sunset's hour to read the 

Evening Croon; 
First read the editorials and their various 

thoughts condone, 
And pray that lovely Woodrow will keep us safe 

at home. 

Then marriages, births and deaths, with other 

news galore — 
Edna, Ruth, and Mary Jane, and all the rest in 

store, — 
Till we long for that which cometh not, love, 

justice, mercy, right, 
And our troubled thoughts go wandering out in 

the clouds of night ! 

Then all at once we see this head "Filosofy by 
Fin." 



46 JUST HUMAN NATURE 

And we smile and smile till on our face there 

comes a settled grin ; 
And there comes a glow like kissing love, or 

drinking wine, 
And we bless this happy "Gillie" that's a tonic for 

the mind. 

For his name should be sunshine, Sunkissed Gil- 

lilan, 
For the only way he strikes us is beautiful and 

grand ; 
And we know his only object is to make a happy 

band, 
And shower only blessings on the lonely of the 

land. 
March 14, 1916. 

TO IRENE R. 

By Idaemay Clarendon Kline. 

Do you want your breakfast cooked? 
And your list of groceries booked? 
And delicious meals on time, 
And meringue on your cake so fine? 
Call Irene. 

Do you want a tune on the phonograph? 
Or to enjoy a hopeful, hearty laugh, 
Or piano melodies so soft and sweet 
That you are glad old friends to meet? 
Call Irene. 



JUST HUMAN NATURE 47 

Do you want a friend who is good and true, 
Who behind your back will take up for you? 
Who scorns all treachery and deceit 
Beneath her unselfish dainty feet, 

Call Irene. 
June, 1919, 

TO W. K. 

By Idaemay Clarendon Kline. 

Here's a message from Will, 
I've not seen for long years; 
How it makes memory thrill 
With past laughter and tears. 

Though your heart and your mind 
Are centered elsewhere, 
Christmas greetings so kind 
Pleasant memories to share. 

And what would life be 
Without friends who are true? 
A good noble one my friend Will, 
That is you. 
Christmas, 1920. 

TO MY KINSMAN, J. G. J. 

By Idaemay Clarendon Kline. 

No Christmas remembrance 

From our dear cousin Joe; 
There is gloom in the fire-light, 

In our hearts there is woe. 



48 JUST HUMAN NATURE 

I ask not for gifts 

That few people can spare, 

But a bright little message 
Like snow-flakes so fair. 

Just a word from our loved ones, 
To let us know they are alive 

And thinking of us, 

In this world's busy bee hive. 
Christmas, 1920. 

Delayed ; your kind gifts arrived next day 
TO MASTER GOLDEN L. 

By Idaemay Clarendon Kline. 

God bless you for coming, 

Come and see us again ; 
Ride Chocolate so swift 

With light feet and bright mane. 

Chocolate, little Chocolate, 

With the queer sounding name, 

Let us wool him and pet him, 
But come and see us again. 

Bring your dear little sisters, 
And we'll romp and we'll play, 

For my heart is a child's 
With care taken away. 



JUST HUMAN NATURE 49 

And I love little children 
More than all else I can say, 

Then God bless you and bring you, 
We'll romp and we'll play. 
February 10, 1920. 

TRUST. 

By Idaemaor Clarendon Kline. 

My mind distraught and worried 
Because of an unworthy friend, 
Through a crowded street I hurried - 
Hoping such malice to amend 
With truth and justice to attend. 

And when about to cross a street I passed along, 
A motley crowd hurrying hither, thither and 

anon ; 
Standing there though far apart, 
Halted therein or through congested traffic's 

mart, 
A man of rush and business grace 
I saw thy form, thy face. 

When first thy presence met my startled tone, 

A likeness of indifferent care throughout thy be- 
ing shone; 

Then as thine eyes upon the motley throng did 
roam, 

Quick as a Hash of gold from out the sky's blue 
dome 

Filling the inmost magic of thy noble heart alone 



50 JUST HUMAN NATURE 

That over all thy being and in thy face and eyes 

there shone 
Happiness — a soul ecstasy — 
As thine eyes gazed upon mine own; 
That there awoke such trust and joy and ecstasy 

in me — 
That though we never meet again, 
That look of trust will still remain 
To guide me on to conquer strife, 
And nobler, better things achieve through life. 
May 3, 1916. 

ME TOO! 

By Idaemay Clarendon Kline. 

(Written after hearing read Hortense Flexner's 
poem, Vacation.) 

When that gifted poet wrote her "'Vacation" she 

expressed mine, 
With its disappointing friendships that should 

have been divine. 
But am I going to sit down and fold my hands and 

pine? 
Oh, no! not at all. For there are bright flowers 

against the wall 
Who do not waste their sweetness crumbling and 

dying there 
For such fragrance of mind and heart goes 

throughout the world that all may share. 



JUST HUMAN NATURE 51 

To have great gifts and talents, and write such 

exquisite verse as she, 
One might always have their head above the 

clouds and always happy be. 
For me, I have the saving grace of good humor, 

and laughter, and sunshine, 
That no matter how fierce the wind blows I shall 

not repine, 
But over and over count the blessings He has 

given all mankind; 
For to live, and breathe the balmy air, and know 

that we are here, is not that fine? 
May 10, 1918. 

(The poem of James Whitcomb Riley, "Let 
something good 'be said," inspired the following:) 

NIGHT. 

By Idamxmy Clarendon Kline. 

When from the heart all joy has fled, 
When ambitions, hopes, and love are dead, 
When the day is done and we sit alone 
And wonder if all human good has flown; 
When from those we have loved truth and justice 

have gone; 
When the night is black and lone and drear, 
And we search our memory for a friend who is 

dear, 
And we clasp our hands and say a prayer. 



52 JUST HUMAN NATURE 

When hopes bright sun has vanished quite, 

And dreary darkness obscures the light, 

When we are baffled quite, 

And do not know which way to turn, 

For who will listen to truth, 

When falsehoods they would rather learn. 

For the beautiful mind and soul who thus could 

plead 
With what tender love and sympathy he could 

lead, 
And lift above all enemies, the innocent, to renew 

a race 
That would make the truth be known, 
And worthy friends win and make their own. 
For the deepest oblivion that we could know, 
Without friends or love, we would pray the Lord 

to bestow. 
April 12, 1916. 

Indianapolis. Ind., April 20, 1916. 
My Dear Miss Kline : 

Mr. Riley sends his appreciation for your ex- 
cellent verses. He is not able to take up the pen 
and answer you personally, but he wants you to 
know of his happiness in the message from you 
and of his good wishes. 

Very sincerely yours, 

Edmund H. Eitel. 
To Miss Idaemay Clarendon Kline. 



JUST HUMAN NATURE 53 

TO ONE WHO HAS GONE. 

By Idaeniay Clarendon Kline. 

We wish you back, Oh, how we wish you here, 

Sister, friend, the one we loved most dear. 

Earth held so much for you 'twas dear, 

Even through winter's chill and sear. 

To bear the daily trials and earth's cross without 

thy willing care, 
Prized sister, friend, we wish you back, Oh, how 

we wish you here. 
October 12, 1918. 

STAY THY HAND DEATH! 

By Idaemay Clarendon Kline. 

If death should come and lay his icy hand upon 

my chest, 
And say, I've marked thee now for thy eternal 

rest, 
Close now thine eyes and still the beating of thy 

heart, 
The fight is o'er, from thy good works you now 

must part. 

The poisoned gibes of envy's sting, 
Hath left thy soul unseared to wing 
Its way to every seraph sphere 
Where Peace celestial doth appear. 

Look down from sylvan heights above, 
And view thy foes with patient love ; 



54 JUST HUMAN NATURE 

See how they writhe and curse and groan, 
For treasures they can never own. 

Would I content me then to go 
My work unfinished here below? 
Ah, no ! Stay, stay thy hand, Death, 
That I might be of help to those 'twould mean 
bereft. 
March 28, 1920. 

WHEN THE GATES SWING AJAR FOR ME. 

By Idaemay Clarendon Kline. 

In the springtime when the sun rises over the 

mountain peaks 
And floods the world with light and song, 
And nature wakes from drowsy sleep and all is 

joy the bright day long; 
Then the gates should swing ajar for me 
And I Thy blessed face should see ; 
My tired form to dust should rest, 
Pillowed on earth's wondrous changeful breast; 
My spirit to realms of Power on high 
Where souls are born yet never die. 
May, 1918. 

FOES. 

By Idaemay Clarendon "Kl'ne. 

They cannot take my happiness away 

That produced my original prose and rhyme, 

They cannot take my soul away 

For that will endure until the end of time. 

June 1, 1919. 



JUST HUMAN NATURE 55 

THE SUN. 

By Idaemaiy Clarendon Kline. 

Note— The first part of my poem THE SUN, 
was written March, 1912. The second part, Oc- 
tober, 1917. 

Part I. 

It is the hour before the enchanting dawn ; 
Impenetrable blackness envelopes all — as one — 
All earth, all sky, all sea, all light, all heaven, 
Till a crash of thunder breaks the stillness 
And earth seems crushed and riven. 

Fiercely the storm rages, and howling blasts of 

air and wind 
Leave a path of desolation and destruction far 

behind ; 
Then gradually, softly, quietly, the storm is lulled 

to rest, 
While sweet peace lifts up our hearts "to Him 

who doeth all things for the best." 

The morning breaks. Pale streaks of azure, grey 

and blue, 
Deep clouds of red and purple, rushing on as light 

breaks through 
The eastern sky; there supreme in its majesty 

rises a glorious golden ball, 
Shedding light and beauty, warmth, and cheer, 

and LIFE, o'er all, in all. 



56 JUST HUMAN NATURE 

The SUN, the glorious messenger of light and 
life and day, 

We watch its brilliant course across the sky, still 
on its way 

Around the earth ; all life sprang up with renew- 
ed birth, 

As with searching, penetrating, all seeing eye, 
whose rays did girth 

The moon, the stars, immeasurable space, and 
half this globe this earth. 

Rays, variegated, rainbow-hued, red and orange, 
electric-yellow, pink and blue, 

Shining on oceans and seas, rivers and lakes, and 
snow-capped hills that sparkle with dew; 

Shining on trees and shrubs, and grass so green, 
making all nature, all life seem 

Fairer than any dream. Making all things ap- 
pear that heaven is here, 

And God is near; over us, smiling on us, watch- 
ing us, knowing our thoughts, loving us, 
His children dear. 

SUN, air and water, sky and earth, 

All elements combined which gave us birth. 

From the Sun comes all light, all heat, all life, 

and cheer so free- 
Then without the different SUNS could there be 
Planets, moons, stars, earth, sky, or Heavenly 

Majesty? 



JUST HUMAN NATURE 57 

Could there be oceans and seas, or lands or trees? 
Could there be birds or beasts, or human life— 

any of these? 
Or things we know, and love and see? 
The mind, the heart, the soul so free ! 

Ah, the Sun, the wonderful, glorious beautiful 
Sun! 

Will any understand its influence, its meaning, 

Its great strength and might and Power gleam- 
ing; 

And what the Infinite Mind of its creative rays 
hath won, 

Before this life (this short frail life of helpless 
humanity) is run? 

I gazed at an unclouded sky 

At the noon day hour, with uncovered eyes ; 

The dazzling brilliance of the Sun's piercing 

white light, 
Shrouded me, encompassed me, and almost took 

away my sight. 

I clasped my hand over my aching eyes. 
All else was dark ; but still before my gaze 
There shone the dazzling loved monster of the 

skies 
With penetrating, piercing, absorbing rays. 

Do we come from these rays? Ah, who can say- 
Do we go by these rays? Ah, who of us know? 



58 JUST HUMAN NATURE 

The Sun, The Sun, the all powerful Sun ; 
We are born by it, we live by it, die by it 
Till time's race is run. 

Slowly the Sun moves across the heavens from 

east to west, 
Pursued by night whose starry mantle brings 

sweet sleep and rest. 
'Tis warmth and health and cheer to some of 

God's creations each blessed day, 
Which lights the moon and stars and space while 

traveling on his way. 

'Tis mankind alone of what we know has been 

created, 
Who fume, and fuss, and beat their mental wings 

against the bars to know 
From whence we come and where we go ; and why 

did God do this, 
And why did God do that, and thus and so ; 
When all he has to do is — "do unto others as you 

would that they should do to you." 

Did you ever watch a loved one die? 
How that engine, the heart, stops dry, 
Throwing the life blood through the veins, 
And no more of earth it will sustain? 

And the breath does not come, 
And the lips are closed and dumb, 
With hands outstretched and done; 
And there he lies— all life has gone. 



JUST HUMAN NATURE 5$ 

Then in the silent tomb he is placed; 

Swiftly, all that has been intelligent, animated, 

bright and dear, 
Who graced the banquet and the ball with happy 

cheer, disintegrates. 
The casket rusts; then "earth to earth and dust 

to dust." 
But where has flown the soul? We know not. 
All that we know is faith, and hope, and trust. 

Do grass, and weeds and flowers bloom upon his 
grave? 

Or wheat or corn, provision for us, or clover hay? 

Humans, birds and beasts must feed upon our 
clay. 

All animal and vegetable dust is one with soil, 
with earth. 

Out of this earth, this soil, all vegetable and ani- 
mal life hath birth. 

We are born ; on all that has gone before we live ; 

The myriad changes of all the by gone ages us 
life to give. 

Then we die. To dust again we go; to be taken 
up in fruit or grain 

That other lives we may sustain. 

Who is the master, the maker of all this order — 

the perfect reign, 
That all the worlds and moons, and stars and 

Suns remain 



60 JUST HUMAN NATURE 

Within their orbits ; that move and live and thrive 

since time begun, 
Have run a tireless race which seems will never 

wane. 

Just so with all life within the waters and on the 

earth 
All things have birth. Created by an intelligence 

beyond our human minds 
To know, to comprehend, however much we strive 

to find 
From life and death the secrets that they hold, 

and see beyond. 

We were created. We are born, as all animal life ; 

Full of contradictions, happiness, suffering, mis- 
ery and strife. 

We die as all animal life. We are born again, we 
die again, over and over 

As all life ; a perfect life we strive to win, till the 
end, the end of time. 

And what of the soul ? Oh whence, and where, is 
its shining goal ? 

Part II. 
Did you ever think of the birds and insects, 
animals and humans, with their distinct intellects 
and instincts? From whence do they derive this 
power? From The Divine Power (what ever 
that is) which permeates and pervades all life, all 
nature, all creation. 



JUST HUMAN NATURE 61 

When I study the earth, the surface of the 
earth, its vegetation, its waters, its animal life, 
ourselves, humanity — ; when I study Astronomy, I 
wonder why we were ever created at all; espec- 
ially that wonderful organ we call the brain with 
that sensitiveness, that instinct, that intelligence ; 
just enough to confuse us, and no more ; for what 
purpose? For what aim? 

When I remember reading (in my school days) 
the biographies of great men who made History 
and those who wrote it, and those who devoted 
their lives to Astronomy and biology (botany and 
mineralogy) and zoology, and mathematics, and 
science and inventions of all kinds and descrip- 
tions of wonderful achievements that men and 
women have made for the progress and develop- 
ment and comfort and happiness and advance- 
ment of the human race; when I remember all 
these things, and take into consideration the 
scope and limitations of human intelligence, I 
marvel how it is that bigotry, pride, arrogance, 
conceit, autocracy and all things else that go with 
the pomp of wealth can exist. How it comes that 
all humanity with their boasted superiority of in- 
telligence know so little. 

All ground, soil, earth; all waters; all are full 
of life; and that means intelligence. Is God, or 
rather The Divine Power from which we receive 
all life and intelligence, in all this? 

Examine the workings of nature and you will 



62 JUST HUMAN NATURE 

see all vegetable, all animal life distinct, separate 
and far apart, yet closely connected and related. 
Take different kinds of earth or soil in which 
there is no sign of vegetation or animal life; 
watch it develop under the air and rain and sun. 
Soon will appear different kinds of both animal 
and vegetable life. And each insect or worm will 
have its peculiar instincts and characteristics; 
will have a mind, and use that mind; especially 
to preserve that newly found life. Each plant, 
each tree, each vegetable, and grass and flower, 
and weed, and ants and bugs and bees, and all 
life up to and with mankind were created just as 
they are. This is my humble belief after years 
of nature study. By what? That wonderful 
Power beyond the comprehension of mankind to 
know; that wonderful Power we call the God- 
head, that has created all things just as they are. 
That wonderful Power that has created all things 
PERFECT. Even the mind of mankind was first 
created perfect, and in perfect harmony and ac- 
cord with all things else. It is the mind and the 
mind alone of all that has been created that has 
degenerated, that has become evil; that does not 
accord with, and is not in harmony with all the 
rest of God's creations. 

If, as no one can deny, we see the Master In- 
telligence in the forming of a rose, a flower, a 
leaf, a blade of grass, a plant, a tree ; in the min- 
utest bit of earth or water or sky ; or in the minds 



JUST HUMAN NATURE 63 

and characteristics and bodies of the minutest in- 
sects up to the greatest of all nature, all life; if, 
as all intelligent persons who think cannot fail to 
do, that is, see God in us and in all things, what 
must be the compass, the mind of The Infinite 
God. 

If you or I my reader were the author of all the 
books of this entire world; if you knew by rote 
every word of every book that had ever been 
written ; if you were the inventor of all that has 
ever been invented ; if you were the only musician 
who had ever been born, and all the musical com- 
positions of the entire world had been composed 
by you; likewise an artist, and all the drawings 
and paintings and sculpture of the world had 
been done by you ; likewise the building of all the 
bridges and railroads and all the buildings which 
dot the face of this entire earth ; in other words, 
if your mind was as great as all the minds or in- 
tellects of all the inhabitants of this entire globe; 
— well, what do you know? A sigh ! and it has all 
vanished. 

We are no greater than the cattle of the fields ! 
Infants in intellect as far as knowing anything 
about the soul, or the hereafter, or that Great and 
Wonderful Power we call The Infinite God ! 

We are like a lot of children lost on a storm- 
tossed ocean knowing not whither, whither we 
goeth. 

We cannot conceive of worlds, of motion, of 



64 JUST HUMAN NATURE 

life (in any form) without a Sun. When we sing 
the song "Over the Stars there is rest," do we 
ever think of our solar system and all the other 
worlds and planets and the great central SUN 
around which all other Suns revolve? What then 
must be the intellect, the mind of The Great Pow- 
er, The Power who knows every thought of all 
His creations from the mightiest intellectual ru- 
ler to the smallest insect in all animal life. 

In the country, in all vegetable and animal life 
in a great many ways we have numberless evi- 
dences of this. Every thought in our brains is 
known; every feeling of our hearts He sees and 
knows. You cannot help but believe this if you 
are a student of nature. 

We have been taught that we are free to do 
good or ill. 

Sometimes it seems to me that that hereafter- 
mysterious place of abode of the soul is right 
here on this earth. Sometimes it seems to me 
that we are reborn, over and over more perfect 
each time. 

The nearer perfect we are in this life the freer 
we will be from the miseries of this world in our 
next life, and so on and on until the final day that 
our intelligence or soul shall be taken up as the 
sun absorbs the mists and we are borne over the 
clouds to be one with the God-head. Is that the 
doctrine of evolution? And is that doctrine or 
any modification of it correct? 



JUST HUMAN NATURE 65 

Who can possibly say. 

And again, we have also been taught that im- 
mediately after death the soul enters the next life 
of a permanent abode of either Heaven, or Pur- 
gatory or Hell. 

Where is Heaven? Where is Purgatory? Where 
is Hell? 

All these things resolve themselves into my 
first question: Would there be life without a Sun? 

Who can answer I 

Permit me to quote briefly from Burritt's 
Geography of the Heavens: "Alcyone occupying 
exactly or nearly the position of the center of 
gravity, is entitled to be called the central Sun. 
It is about 34,000,000 times as far re- 
moved from us, or from our own Sun as the latter 
luminary is from us. It would therefore accord- 
ing to this estimation, be at least a million times 
as distant as the new planet. . . . The same ap- 
proximate determination of distance conducts to 
the result that the light of the central Sun occu- 
pies more than five centuries in traveling thence 
to us. . . . The Sun's central body may also have 
its orbit, and its center of attraction and motion, 
and so on, till we come to the great center of all 
—to the Throne of God," 



JINGLES FOR CHILDREN 

AND 

CARD VALENTINES FOR GIRLS AND BOYS 



JINGLES FOR CHILDREN. 

By Idaemay Clarendon Kline. 

Nothing makes me unhappy, 

Nothing makes me mad, 

Just because I am alive, 

I am so very glad, 

***** 

Be happy and gay 

No matter what comes your way, 

Be happy and gay 

And you will win the day. 
***** 

Smile, smile, smile, 

And the hours beguile. 

If your hands have to work, 

And hard duties you can't shirk, 

Let your mind and heart smile, 

Smile, smile. 

***** 

Care, care go away, 

Like showers in an April day ; 

Then happiness and right will come 

If we send care on a huskie run. 
***** 

We will see where you are Mr. Mousie, 
We will see where you are Mr. Rat, 

We will see where you are Mr. Mousie, 
And give you to the big tom-cat. 



70 JUST HUMAN NATURE 

Oh, that the sun would shine today, 

And drive dark clouds from the sky away ; 

Oh, that content would fill our mind, 

And drive suspicion from all mankind. 

* * * * * 

The house in a good humor at his feet did fall 

And laughed and cheered to satisfy all. 

* * * * * 

RUBBER BANDS. 
See a rubber on a Street-car seat, 
Or wriggling around on a dirty street, 
Or on the floor of a department Store 
Pick it up and ask for more. 

For a rubber is an elastic band, 
To tie small packages in hand, 
And it saves lots of time and worry too, 
Till it breaks ker-whoop, then it's done — it's 
through ! 

THE LUCK OF FINDING ONE. 
"See a pin and pick it up, 
All day good luck ; 
See a pin and let it lay, 
Bad luck all the day." 

Old proverb. 

See a hairpin on the Street, 
Pick it up and friends you'll meet ; 
Pass it by, and go on your way, 
Bad luck will follow every diay. 



JUST HUMAN NATURE 71 

TRAVELING ON A RAILROAD. 
Sailing, sailing, over the land in choo-choo cars, 
Railing, railing, in Pullman sleepers and dining 

cars. 
How we love the whistle, 'tis a pretty sound, 
It fills our mind with music as the trains glid*.' 

around. 
It takes us to lands both far and near, 
And brings us home to those we love dear. 
Choo, choo, choo, choo, cars, 
We love your rumble on the cold steel bars. 
We love your crew that makes the trains go, 
Through all kinds of weather both sunshine and 

snow. 

Toot-Toot, four times or more 1 say, 
It breaks the monotony of a country day. 
Come, come, come along, 
And join us all a happy throng. 

* * * « * 

Rollie-pollie, be bright and jolly, 
Stick a pin in folly; 

Laugh and joke, 

And don't go broke, 
Then no fear of melancholy. 
* * * * * 

'Tis the folks who dwell in cities, 

Whose vision is obscured; 
By the country lads and lassies 

Landscape beauty is revered. 



72 JUST HUMAN NATURE 

I am going to see 

What a pound of candy will be ; 

No matter how dear, 

I will bring it here 

To you. 

So love me true, 

Little belle in blue. 

* * * ♦ * 

Up on a swing and away we go, 

To and fro, to and fro. 

Don't drag your toes, 

Or punch your nose, 

But swing high, swing low, 

Within the sunlight's golden glow. 

* * * ♦ * 

Catch a little mousie boy, 
Catch a little rat, 
Catch a little fish ahoy, 
Catch a little cat. 
***** 

Sailng on the ocean wave, 
Waters rough and deep, 

Lads and lassies must be brave, 
And happy hearts must keep. 
***** 

Hi dizzle, dizzle, 

Hi dazzle arms, 
Hi dizzle dazzle, 

Without alarms. 



JUST HUMAN NATURE 73 

Hi dizzle dazzle, 

Hi dizzle dums, 
Hi dizzle dazzle, 

Now wiggle your thumbs. 
* * * * * 

Join the Mirth Club! 

All requirements— ^a smite — 



PLOD ALONG. 

If a cloud was to stop moving 
We know that it would fall ; 
If the world was to stop moving 
It would cease to revolve, 
And fall into space 
And run a fearful race 
And be appalled 
With the rapidity of its motion 
And get disabled or dissolved. 
From this little lesson what good we can see t 
Don't try to race or you may bump a knee ; 
Just plod along in a firm steady gait, 
And when all work is done you may reach the 
Golden Gate. 

* * * * * 

Good-luck to me, good-luck to me, 
For the squawking jay sings on the tree. 
Good-luck to me, good-luck to me, 
For the sun and moon and stars I see. 



74 JUST HUMAN NATURE 

A cow and a cat, 
With chickens and pet rat, 
Makes up the sum total 
'Neath an old maid's hat. 

Not so my dears, 

Then dry your tears ; 

For they love little children, 

With all their odd years. 

* * * * * 

Wait till I see, 
All about the busy bee 
Making honey good and fine, 
For you to eat at breakfast time. 

***** 

When the Spider got the Fly 

Into his parlor grand, 
He crushed its head into his net 

And played to the grand stand. 
Then said the Spider to the crowd, 

"Only a little helpless Fly 
That tickled some one's nose. 

Now clear out all you bugs 
Or I'll sting you on the toes." 
***** 

There is nothing like a helping hand, a guiding 

hand, 
A hand that points the way, 
A cheerful, loving hand, in either work or play. 



JUST HUMAN NATURE 75 

There she goes with her beautiful clothes, 
And her pretty ways that all may praise ; 
While I am here with no one near, 
No friends to care and life is drear. 
But hope shines high in a bright blue sky, 
And roses bloom so away with gloom. 



Faith and trust are two of the greatest .words in 
the English tongue ; 

For without faith and trust all homes, all busi- 
ness, all nations would be undone. 

Stamp out treachery and deceit from souls, and 
hearts, and minds, forever and a day, 

And be filled with faith and trust, which brings 
happiness always, always. 

A PRAYER. 

This day I pray to guard my tongue, 
This day I pray to do no wrong; 
This day I pray to bear Thy cross, 
And if Thy will, to suffer loss. 
And if Thy will all gain should be, 
Teach me humility and love to Thee. 

Let no harsh words life's beauty mar, 
Let JUSTICE be .my guiding star. 



76 JUST HUMAN NATURE 

OUR FLAGS. 

By Idaemay Clarendon Kline. 

The colors red, white and blue of four nations, 
America, England, Russia, France; 

Peacefully unfurl these three combinations, 
United on each countries welded lance. 

Under these colors we'll live and be true, 
We'll live and we'll fight for the red, white and 
blue; 

Four countries flags interwoven we bear, 
To uphold all with courage and truth we share. 

Would that this could come true, 
In spirit with the red, white and blue; 

Combining all flags of the world 
In harmonious peace widely unfurled. 
November, 1918. 



(Slogan for every country and every individual.) 
LIVE AND LET LIVE. 



ADVICE TO CHILDREN. 

By Idaemay Clarendon Kline. 

I wish I were a child again, 
To school I would hasten there; 

Fd learn the lessons rule by rule, 
And never balk at care. 



JUST HUMAN NATUEE 77 

I would study every minute of the day, 

I would burn the midnight oil ; 
I'd work a bit and laugh and play, 

Then back to "learnings toil." 

I would continue this from year to year, 
Till I was twenty-five ; 
Then I would be the Queen of bees, 
In all of learnings hive. 

I would study hard and read and think, 

Great knowledge I would gain ; 
And train my mind with good hard sense 

To barter with the throng. 

Then my pennies and my dimes I'd save, 

Till I had quite a store, 
And when old age would come around 

I would never want for more. 

From twenty-five to thirty 

I would marry and have a home; 
A loving partner, companion, mate, 

All things congenial, every one ; 
And forget such words as fate. 

I would laugh and joke and happy be, 
And when good old age would come 

Content I'd be until I reached 
The blessed eternal home. 



78 JUST HUMAN NATURE 

CARD VALENTINES FOR GIRLS AND BOYS. 

By Idaenuwy Clarendon Kline. 

If you love me, I will be happy and cheerful and 

bright, ; 
If you love me, all earth will be joy, and all things 

be right. 

!|C * * *i* * 

Only to see your eyes of heavenly blue, 
That light your face for me so sweet, so true. 
Do the flowers and trees need the sunshine, air 

and dew? 
So much more does my life need you. 
***** 

I dream of you night and morning, 
I dream of you through the day, 

I long for you without warning, 
Oh come, do not longer delay. 

***** 

When I am sad and lonely, 

And I cannot sleep o* nights, 
I think of you so loyal and comely, 

And my heart is filled with delight. 
* * * * * 

Come to me quickly in the bright morning dew, 
Come to me quickly my heart calk for you. 
***** 

Of girls and men this I will say, 
No man ever loved a Miss 
"That did not find a way." 



J UST HUMAN NATURE 79 

Don't turn from me my darling, 
Don't turn from me my love, 

I love you, love you, love you, 
Oh I love you, love you love. 
***** 

He will bring me jewels rich and rare, 
And twine them in my shining hair ; 
And love me, oh, so good and true, 
My darling tee-tums, that's you, that's you. 
***** 

Fate's been so kind that we should meet, 
With sympathy each other greet, 
Each help to sooth all toils and care, 
And comfort give and burdens bear. 

1 am yours, you are mine, 
Speed the day for our good time, 
Hasten on, my sweetheart dear, 
And bring me life and love and cheer. 

***** 

His heart is kind, his smile is sweet, 
He's neat and trim from head to feet; 
Of good true men the world around, 
We like him well in this big town. 
***** 

I wonder! yes, I wonder what he thinks of me 

today, 
If his heart is true and tender, as on the day he 

went away. 



SO JUST HUMAN NATURE 

SHE WILL GO. 

We all know the man who does not go 
To see his sweetheart, and is so slow 
That other women toll him away, 
And the one he loves is left for aye. 
***** 

This I will say for most all women : 
She loves the one the most who loves her best, 
And you will find it so by putting love to test, 
For this is only human. 

***** 

O pray that the Suffragists will win, 
That when he cannot come to see her, 
She can go to see him. 



HE WHO WINS. 
If you are sure some other one you more adore, 
Then I will say, oh, bother ! what a fearful bore ! 
And pray the Saints to send ONE more, 
Who truly loves me only; 
Then all my heart will go to him. 
And I will never more be lonely. 
***** 

I am really so full of fun, 
I cannot be serious very long, 

No matter how I wish my verse to run— 
Or write for you a lovely sons. 



JUST HUMAN NATURE 81 

Truly, it was very, very wrong 
Of you to flirt with me so recklessly, 
Then stay away for all this time, 
Not coming with sweets or pickles fine. 
***** 

And if he does not to her bower go, 
Or take her to a first-class show, 
He is too awfully, awful slow, 
And she must pass him up, — no, let him go, 
And say, 'There are other men who wish to win, 
And I will look for them,— not him/ 
***** 

When a man loves another more than you, 
That should be the end ; and this is true. 
Then shall I wait my dear for you, 
Or turn me to another beau? 
***** 

You know full well who this is from, 
So PU rest my pen and keep quite dumb 
Till the muse stirs the strings of harp or lyre, 
And bids me write more sentimental fire. 



LOVE. 



(Previously published) 
PREFACE TO MY LOVE POEMS. 

By Idaemay Clarendon Kline. 

To unhappy married women the explanation of 
my love poems will be happiness. To spinsters it 
will be sadness. To uninterested persons it will 
be mirth. But it is true. The genuine article 
LOVE has not called since I have been old enough 
to rightly appreciate and understand love. And 
this is also true : The "Thee" has only been imagi- 
nary. The real "Mr. Right" has not yet appeared. 
All my love poems are only poetical imaginings. 

I am the merriest girl you ever did see, 
I can chirp around and laugh with glee, 
Because REAL love with ardor bold 
Not since my youth has his affections told. 

Perhaps I am not quite handsome enough. 
Or because I am so slow I am not up to snuff ; 
But I suspect the real reason is this, 
Some girls who only work half the time have done 
the biz. 

Now since you know, I have no beau, 
I will give you my love poems to read ; 
And if you see Mr. Right on the way, 
Just tell him to get up more speed. 
85 



86 JUST HUMAN NATURE 

And if he conies it will be very nice 
For you to throw old shoes and rice ; 
But if he don't I shall not repine, 
Nor drink stale beer or finest wine. 

I will also say that I am not repining, 
But always ready for a meal we call dining; 
And a chat with the birds 
When in the tree tops they are heard, 
And happiness to see others who are loved 
If not me; till St. Peter says, Here is the Key. 
1916. 



IN YOUR THOUGHTS. 

By Idaeaniay Clarendon Kline. 

Come when the birds are warbling for dawn at 

the break of day, 
When the sun is shining on heights with a golden 

ray, 
When the day is waning over hill and meadow 

and lea, 
When the dew is sparkling— then in your 

thoughts, come — oh, come to me. 

When the moon's soft radiance glows with its 

mellow light, 
Or the earth is thrilled with storm-winds bitter 

might, 
When the night is lone and dark and drear, 
Send one good thought to me, my dear. 

TRUE FRIENDSHIP. 

By Idaemaiy Clarendon Kline. 

When I think your friendship for me is not true, 
Earth loses its beauty, the sky loses its blue; 
The flowers lose their fragrance, the trees lose 

their bloom, 
The moon loses her radiance, and all life is gloom. 
March 12, 1918. 

87 



88 JUST HUMAN NATUBE 

MINE. 

By Idaemay Clarendon Kline. 

Through all the ages and all the years, 
Through all the mysteries and all the tears, 
Love has brought me to thee, dear heart : 
To thee, of all the earth, and sky and heaven, 
To thee, to have, to love, to keep, till time is riven. 
1903. 

A DREAM OF ARCADY. 

By Idaem&y Clarendon Kline. 

Let us away in Arcady together, 

There will be no storms, or cloudy weather ; - 

Our home all happiness shall be, 

A perfect love for me — and thee. 

There the sun will ever shine most bright, 
And fill our hearts with keen delight, 
And woodland paths and shady nooks, 
With music rare, and favorite books. 

No clouds should ever dim our sight, 
Where content and love make all things right ; 
For perfect trust and roses bright, 
Should fill our lives from morn till night. 

There singing birds and forests green, 
And babbling brooks and cooling stream, 
With friends about that are what they seem— 
Naught will us harm ! life is one sweet dream. 
August 18, 1914. 



JUST HUMAN NATURE 89 

DEAREST I LOVE YOU ! 

By Idaemay Clarendon Kline, 

When the stars are shining in the heavens so blue. 
And the breeze is whispering 'mid the trees and 

the dew, 
In the mellow light of the moon's soft glow, 
And the quiet scenes are most beautiful to view, 
•When the world is hushed, then I long for you. 

When my lonely heart cries out in pain, 
When for all lost years I've not lived in vain, 
Will your loved voice come over hill and plain, 
And love, through your eyes, shine for me again ? 
For then we will live, and sing this refrain : 

When thy great soul with beauty entwining, 
Cheers with thy presence so fervent and true, 
Wilt thou not give me thy pure heart's devotion, 
And whisper these words, Dearest, I Love You! 
1903. 

SINCE YOU CAME. 

By Idaemay Clarendon Kline. 

The radiant sky seems deeper blue, 
The song birds carol so gay and true, 
My heart is thrilled with life anew, 
Since you came. 

Care vanishes from out my mind, 
Trouble and foes are left behind, 
My world's aglow with all beauty com 
bined, 
Since you came. 



90 JUST HUMAN NATURE 

WHEN LOVE CALLS. 

By Idacmay Clarendon Kline. 

There is a mystic charm and beauty 

In the love-gleam of your eyes, 
Like the soft warm breeze of summer, 

Sighing through the leafy trees. 

Or the moon's glad silvery luster 
Calling to the Elfish water-sprites, 

Who dance beneath a sparkling splendor, 
Leap crested waves to sounds of light. 

There cadences of murmuring laughter, 
Sweet music chants or reefs and rills, 

Tumultuous radiance streaming after, 
Breathing promises of love to fill. 

When your eyes look love immortal, 
Though your lips frame not a word, 

'Twill linger in memory's portal, 
That a waiting heart hath heard. 

When you clasp my hand with both your own 
In love's harmonious ecstasy divine, 

The seraphs bear the message home, 
That binds my heart to thine. 

WHEN WE LEAST EXPECT IT. 

By Idaemay Clarendon Kline. 

Tis a beautiful landscape of elfin glades, 
Of mossy banks and billowy shades ; 
'Tis enchanting and wondrous to behold, 
But in the grass there lurks real envy bold. 



JUST HUMAN NATURE 91 

? Tis not always happiness that we see, 
For fear is there for both you and me ; 
When we least expect a serpent's tooth, 
We get it sometimes in very truth. 

'Tis a beautiful friendship that we see 

Between Celestine and Mandalee; 

But a submariner with his U-boat crew, 

Hath severed their friendship, these loving two. 

So, good friend, beware of some things you hear, 
Likewise, some others whom you now hold dear ; 
Their jealous motive behind their seeming good 

intent, 
Is to get your sweetheart, and on this they are 

bent. 
April 18, 1917. 

FOR YOU. 

By Idaemay Clarendon Kline. 

The tree-tops are sighing for you, love, 
The roses are sparkling with dew; 

With perfume so sweet, 

Your presence to greet, 
They are longing, longing for you. 

The stars in the heavens are true, love, 

Lights and shadows fall athwart my way; 

With bright sparkling light, 

Which glows with delight, 
They are looking, looking this way. 



92 JUST HUMAN NATURE 

The moonbeams are glowing for you love, 
Soft sounds echo low their refrain, 

Then come to me here, your presence so dear, 
Then come love, oh come, and ever remain. 
May 12, 1906. 

MY LOVE. 

By Idaemay Clarendon Kline. 

When dusk spreads her mantle o'er hill and plain, 
When somber greyness veils the starry realm, 
W r hen night creeps on so cold and free, 
Then my thoughts fly through space, to thee. 

When I hear the soft coo of the turtle dove, 
And the nightingale warbles his song of love, 
When the wind moans low through roof and tree, 
Then my thoughts fly through space, to thee. 

When work and world news speed the hours go 

by, 
When midnight chimes and to rest I lie, 
When sleep hath flown 'mid day-dreams free, 
Then my thoughts, dear love, fly through space, to 

thee. 

THINE EYES. 

By Idaemay Clarendon Kline. 

They haunt me still! 
The deep love beauty of thine eyes 
That filled my soul with rapture; 
Only one look like a rippling rill, 



JUST HUMAN NATURE 93 

Then we parted, not to meet again ; 

Against my will, 
The deep love beauty of thine eyes 

They haunt me still. 

In the long quiet hush of night 

The tears unbidden come; 
I know those eyes with lover's light 

On careless others gaze and roam. 
In all that vast and varied crowd 

Hast thine eyes found the counterpart of me? — 
That wandering far with head now bowed — 

Against my will 
The deep love beauty of thine eyes 

They haunt me still. 

Through the busy turmoil of the day 

I see thine eyes. 

Back of those who love and seek me, 

Back of other eyes that glow and greet me, 

Back of all earth's glories that throng around me ; 

Back of others false deceit and wrong, 

Back of all my eyes would gaze upon. 

Back of the vaulted, enchanted, heavenly dome, 

Back of all the stars that shine, 

Back of all love that would be mine, 

Back of all striving to conquer wrong and sin, 

Back of all goodness, all joy, all happiness to win, 



94 JUST HUMAN NATURE 

Back of all my thoughts, 

Against my will, 
The deep love beauty of thine eyes 
They haunt me still. 
May 17, 1915. 

(One who has gone) 
A PRAYER. 

By Idaem&y Clarendon Kline. 

Dear Lord — 

On bended knee and tear-dimmed face, 

I here give thanks to Thee: 
And lift my heart with fervent grace 
That Thou hast been so kind to me. 
That one whose noble mind, justice at last should 

know, 
To help a wearied soul to keep above all wicked 

foes; 
To drive their torture from my soul and blow the 

chaff away 
That he the right and truth should know, and jus- 
tice with him stay 
Till all wickedness fore'er had flown, and good- 
ness filled each day. 
Then keep his friendship true dear Lord, 

Till the world and time shall end — 
Then through all eternity my heart shall sing, 
"He is my friend ! He is my friend." 
March 15, 1917. 



JUST HUMAN NATURE 95 

THEE. 

By Idaemay Clarendon Kline. 

We sit and watch the grasses grow, 

The shrubs and trees; 

Their loveliness and beauty glow 

In every whispering breeze. 

The lilies, violets, and the rose, 

In their dewy verdure beds repose; 

And with gentle rain comes a pattering ring, 

And we glory in the bliss of spring. 

In the early fragrant dewy dawn 

We awaken from sweet slumber, 

And breathe the breath of incense blown 

Through leafy trees and shrubs and lawn. 

And in rapt ears there breaks sweet sound. 

Gay plumed birds warbling around; 

And we list with hushed mind lulled to rest, 

And think of this enchanted world, 

And wish for thee we love the best. 

When the dawn breaks clear with soft warm light* 
And the sun's rays spread on colored blooms that 

ravish sight, 
And our gaze seeks the woods with moss and dell, 
And we wonder could heaven be more fair where 

angels dwell 
Than this blissful, beauteous, lovely earth, 
And sky and birds and trees — 
And our soul drinks deep of such ecstasies, 
And our thoughts then seek our friends and thee. 



96 JUST HUMAN NATURE 

When the night is dark and no rays appear, 
And unworthy friends 1 fill our eyes with tears, 
With strong hard fights to conquer falsehoods' 

wrongs 
Years pass. One false friend goes — we sing a 

song, 
Then quickly follows a deeper one, 
And pray that others will soon be gone, 
And rejoicing hope such friends' are done. 

A new dawn is breaking, I hear thee call, 

To nobleness my heart responds. 

Oh take my hand I pray you do, 

And lead me to calm rest and peace anew ; 

And with thy strength of good and right attend- 
ing, 

Keep me I pray thee from unworthy friends' pre- 
tending ; 

Whom others' falsehoods would believe, 

.Whose deceitful treachery and might could not 
deceive, 

And honest friendship would not believe and try 
to grieve, 

Which took joy from life and cheer from heaven 

With darkest lees. Then false friends pass, 

And my soul seeks rest and thee. 
April, 1916. 



JUST HUMAN NATURE 97 

MOONLIGHT. 

By Idaemay Clarendon Kline. 

It is moonlight there, and moonlight here, 
New moonlight over the western hemisphere; 
And as I gaze at the moon this glorious night, 
I think of your face so happy and bright. 

Are you too watching the moon in your home far 

away, 
As it shines on the houses, the streets and the 

bay? 
And know that though hundreds of miles far 

apart, 
The same radiance enshrouds us and gives cheer 

to our hearts ? 
Do thoughts travel fast then, from you unto me, 
In the rays of the moon over land and broad sea? 
And does your heart long to bridge over vast 

space, 
And encircle the moon in a fond fervent embrace? 
(This may not be so very mirthful, but 'twas 

written just for fun, 
For who would want to hug the moon, unless they 

were full of rum.) 

SMILES. 

By Idaemay Clarendon Kline. 

When we are a thousand miles from home, 

And we meet one of our kind who has also 

roamed, 
Our heart leaps up with a bound to our throat, 
And our arras reach out to take hold of his coat. 



98 JUST HUMAN NATURE 

When we are a thousand miles from home, 
Oh, the bliss we know to meet him who has roamed 
From our native heath that has given us ibirth, 
For our home we'll be true till the end of the 
earth. 

When we have left him in a beautiful land of sun- 
shine, 

And wandered hence where cold winds blow 
among the pine, 

We are slightly 'stressed for him to be here or 
us to be there, 

Till we wonder who is in his auto, and if they are 
a happy pair? 

GOME, NEW LOVE. 

By ldaemaiy Clarendon Kline.. 

Covered o'er with leaves and roses, 

Rests my love so cold and still ; 
And her gentle form reposes, 

By a woodland's silent dell. 

Gone is she my heart hath treasured, 
For my love so fair and bright ; 

While the angels softly measured 
Cadences through darkest night. 

Grief will still the strongest heart-strings, 
Sorrow numb the keenest mind ; 

Broodings quench the fires that life brings, 
Mournings silence all mankind. 



JUST HUMAN NATURE 99 

Then come, new love, from out vast spaces, 
Fill my mind and soul and heart ; 

Charm my senses with thy graces, 
Hasten Thou, ere life departs. 
March 1, 1903. 

"WILL YOU MARRY ME?" 

By Idaemay Clarendon Kline. 

When the moon's soft rays are falling, 

And the nightingale is calling, 

And her heart for you is longing. 

Till her head's a whirl and throbbing ; 

And her world seems dark and lonely, 

To hear your voice, and see your face, yours only. 

When you have wandered far from home, 

And left your sweetheart all alone, 

If you want to keep her love so true, 

And always thinking and waiting for you, — 

When you have no time to write, 

Either by day or through the night, — 

Just step in a candy store, 

And send her sweets, a pound or more. 

That will fill her heart with delight, 

And other suitors she will put to flight. 

And when you are home once more, 

Go to see her as of yore; 

But first step in a candy store, 

And send her sweets, a pound or more. 



100 JUST HUMAN NATURE 

When the moon's soft rays are falling, 
And the nightingale is calling, 
And her heart for you is longing, 
Till her head's a whirl and throbbing ;-— 
Then, with a box of candy on her knee, 
And your photo in her hand to see, 
She will be loving, fond, and true to thee, 
Till you speak these words, ''Will you marry me?" 
November 20, 1915. 

BRING ME A KISS TO-NIGHT BELOVED. 
An Airship Song. 

By Tdaemay Clarendon Kline. 

Bring me a kiss to-night beloved, 

Come back once again as of yore, 

Let me read in your eyes that you love me, 

Let me hear your glad message once more. 

Out in the cold world I wander, 
Far above the haunts of all men, 
Bring me a kiss, do not ponder, 
Or I'll cut the ropes and descend. 

Lonely she steers her big airship, 
Singing her song o'er and o'er, 
Trying to o'ertake her own loved one 
In his airplane bound for the shore. 

At last the two crafts wended homeward. 
Descended they both in a turn, 
Then he hastily went out to greet her 
When he heard her sing this refrain. 



JUST HUMAN NATURE 101 

Bring me a kiss to-night beloved, 
Come back once again as of yore, 
Let me read in your eyes that you love me, 
Let me hear your glad message once more. 
January 17, 1910. 

BRING BACK YOUR HEART. 
(A Baseball Song.) 

By Idaemay Clarendon Kline. 

Dear old Jack he went a courting, 
One bright and balmy summer day ; 

'Be my sweetheart mine adoring, 
Be my wife my Bessie Ray/ 

Vows were plighted, troths were spoken : 
Til be thine some sweet spring day/ 

But how soon those vows were broken, 
"Played" dear old Jack from Bessie Ray. 

Now she pines alone and whispers, 
'Bring back your heart to Bessie Ray !' 

But the "Bees" sing on the bleachers, 
'Some "Playette" won dear Jack away.' 

When the Giants win the pennant, 
When the State Fair moves away, 

When the Mormon's rule the Senate, 
Jack may go back to Bessie Ray. 

June, 1910. 



102 JUST HUMAN NATURE 

SOMETHING ABOUT 
LOVE. 

By Idaemaay Clarendon Kline. 

Every human heart that has ever been created 
continually cries out for love. In infancy every 
human heart cries out for the love of its parents. 
In maturity, for the love of its mate. Deprived 
of love, life is vapid, insipid, meaningless. When 
the human heart is deprived of love, searching, 
longing for that pure, responsive human com- 
panionship, that sympathy, that understanding, 
that communion of soul, that real human mate, 
then great loneliness takes possession, which 
leads often to morbid despondency and sometimes 
death. 

Love — that wonderful sympathy, that won- 
derful kindness, that supreme loftiness of char- 
acter, that radiant light, that idealism we cherish 
in another human being to keep us always onward 
and upward. 

Love — Propinquity, Companionship, Nearness, 
Association. 

How to win and keep the love of any girl or wo- 
man: 

Kindness — the superlative necessity. 

Gifts — super-superlative necessity. 

Respectfully affectionate and continually per- 
sistent attentions. 

Trust — produces among all other good things, 
one great thing, Love. 



JUST HUMAN NATURE 103 

Good treatment— produces among other good 

things, Love. 

Fear— produces only one thing m those who 

fear others, hatred. 

Mean treatment—produces only one thing, ha- 
tred. 

Nothing in all this world is dearer to every wo- 
man's heart than the ring given her iby the om 
man she loves, except the man himself. 

Love is a longing to possess the object beloved ; 
a longing to bestow all possessions on the object 
beloved ; a longing to do all in one's power for the 
object beloved. In fact a worshipful adoration. 

I have often wondered, why it was that no dif- 
ference how busy one is, or how engaged and oc- 
cupied the mind is with other things, there is al- 
ways present the thoughts, the longings for the 
absent one whom we love. Even when one is 
busily engaged in conversation with some one 
who is interesting and who makes one think very 
deeply of other things, at the same time our best 
thoughts and feelings go out to the absent loved 

You speak of loving; you are the only truly 
honest girl or woman I have ever talked to in this 
respect. They all make out to me that I am the 
only man they have ever truly loved, when per- 
haps they have loved many, a great many, as well 
as they have me. We were conceived in love, we 
were born in love, we were the recipients of the 



104 JUST HUMAN NATURE 

love of God's Spirit within us, which is Love. I do 
not love you less because you have loved, I love 
you more because of it; because of your deep 
loving nature. None of your love has been lost, 
it must all come to me yet in this world and in 
eternity united. 

Every one from their first, until their last 
breath should love. I have loved some different 
one, or some different object all my life. Now I 
love you, the first woman I have ever wanted to 
be my wife. You are too perfectly created not 
to love. Your entire nature is one of love and af- 
fection. It only needs an awakening. Quotations 
from my own writings. 

From my earliest young womanhood I have 
been a student of all nature including all human 
beings. I have learned that any person who tries 
to restrict the mind of any man or any woman 
from free thought or admiration or liking or love, 
(in a legitimate way), makes a great mistake. 
Therefore, when ever I care anything out of the 
ordinary for any one, it matters not who, when 
that one cares (no matter in what proportion) 
for another, or a half dozen, or a dozen, or a 
hundred, or a thousand others, that is as it should 
be as far as I am concerned ; and I accept it as an 
unalterable fact, and am content that it should 
be so. If I cannot be first, the ideal, the one who 
fills the mind and heart and soul of anyone I 
might happen to admire, so be it. But one thing I 



JUST HUMAN NATURE 105 

must have, I must know: I am content only with 
the knowledge that I have, as I deserve to have, 
their deepest respect, their kind thoughts, their 
gladness always to see me, and in their hearts the 
feeling that they would always want to see me. 
Quotations from my own writings. 

The first thing any self-respecting woman 
wants in any man she might care for is thorough 
dependence and thorough trust. 

The second imperative thing in every woman's 
heart is that The Man she cares most for, must 
care most for her. No matter how many ohers 
''he" loves or "he" cares for, he must make her 
believe she holds first place in his affections. She 
wants "him" to think she is just it. 

And when any woman really and truly cares 
for any man she will think and be just that way 
about him. 

When love is worth having it is worth going 
after. 

When a man is sure a woman loves him he 
should then press his suit. 

When he thinks she likes him he should do like- 
wise. 

When he is sure of her and she encourages him, 
and he loves her, he should also and again go find 
her. 

But don't try the suit pressing game unless 
your suit is made of the best material— the ma- 
terial that clothes the manly man— the man that 



106 JUST HUMAN NATURE 

men respect and women love. The man who is 
ever ready to say if necessity should demand: I 
wooed and won her, I protect and uphold her, 1 
shield her from all the harm of the world, she is 
mine by my own efforts, by my superior wooing 
and she will stay mine by the same tokens. 

Practice kindness — it pays. 

If you are kind to your friends they love you. 
If you are kind to your enemies they respect you. 

"Laugh and the world laughs with you" if you 
don't laught at the expense of the reputation of 
another. 

If your laugh causes another to cringe and suf- 
fer those whom you make laugh or w r ho laugh 
with you will secretly fear and despise you. 

After a man has once won a woman's love, 
when a woman hears that the man she loves is a 
sort of dare devil, a little immoral, a litle reck- 
less, a little dissipated or what not, even anything 
bad, her love does not change if he is all that a 
manly man should be to HER. 

This applies to all women — the entire sex. No 
matter what good qualities he has had. or pre- 
tended to have had in his wooing. 

When a woman loves a man she loves him. 

And there are only three things (in my opin- 
ion) that will ever take the love of a woman from 
the man she has once given her heart to. 

First of these is neglect or mistreatment by the 
man himself of the woman who loves him. 



JUST HUMAN NATURE 107 

Next, is the other man or the other woman. 

Last and greatest is confidence betrayed by 
showing her letters to others, or treachery in any 
form. There is nothing, not even his love for 
any sort or kind or condition of another woman 
which will so completely root out all love from 
any woman's heart, and soul, and life, for the 
man she loves, than to show her letters to other 
men or in any way to betray her confidence. 

When another man comes along and is more at- 
tractive and tries to win her, if the man she loves 
mistreats her, he had better alter his ways. 

When a woman who has once loved a man gives 
him to understand she does not care for him it is 
almost sure to be the man's own fault in some 
way, or the superior wooing of the other man in 
his (the aforesaid loved ones) absence. 

How about the men — you must ask them — I do 
not know. 

"Treat a woman like a dog and she will love 
you and be your willing slave, you cannot get rid 
of her then. That is, after he had once won her." 
Said one man to another in my presence when I 
was quite a young girl. Not knowing anything 
about the affairs of older people I held by peace 
and said nothing. But that remark led me to ob- 
serve what effect such treatment by men would 
have on women. 

Did he not in saying the above admit that a 
man in trying to win a woman's love must be to 



108 JUST HUMAN NATURE 

that woman all tenderness, all affection, all devo- 
tion, and all that is honorable nrA manly in his 
conduct towards that particular woman? 

If it takes such traits of character, or pretend- 
ed character, and men strive to please the women 
they wish to make love them, then what think you 
it would take to hold a woman's love? Simply 
that same conduct which won her. 

As soon as a man begins to neglect or mistreat 
the woman who loves him, just that soon will her 
love begin to wane. And if he persists in his neg- 
lect or mistreatment it will not be long until her 
love either turns to contempt and hatred or else 
dies a death of stinging blows. For every neglect 
or unkind word from the one beloved stabs the 
heart worse than a brutally inflicted blow. 

Some women when neglected or slighted or 
mistreated, or made the butt of in public by men, 
or when they are aware of the fact that the man 
they love is for some unknown reason to them 
disgracing them with other men, will immediate- 
ly have nothing more to do with that man no 
matter how lovely and loving he may be to them 
when he thinks no one knows. Other women, and 
I think the majority of women, who hapnen to 
fall in love with men of such character will pre- 
tend they love them until they are sure that they 
have won their friendship and their love and then 
will quietly let them go to treat some other wo- 
man the same way. While the woman who has 



JUST HUMAN NATURE 109 

been "treated like a dog" will sit back and smile 
with indifference in her heart for her erstwhile 
loved one. 

And the woman who has loved the man who 
has treated her like a dog, will be ready to liter- 
ally throw herself at some man who is manly, 
who is noble, and who treats her with kindness 
and consideration and respect, and who will up- 
hold her name and reputation above his own. Wo- 
men worship such men. 

Respect, kindness, tenderness, affection, con- 
sideration, and above all let the woman know you 
love her, this will win and keep her love. 

Disrespect, unkindness, rudeness, lack of affec- 
tion, and time and consideration for others and 
not for her, and telling her occasionally he does 
not care for her, etc., will turn all the love of any 
woman either to hatred for that particular man 
or send her on wings to the first man who treats 
her with consideration, kindness and respect. 

A woman's love is only won, and will only stay 
won, by the very best treatment a man is capable 
of bestowing. 

For the benefit of every true, noble woman who 
has ever loved, I write the following paragraphs 
in the first person to better express my meaning: 

There is only one man in all this world for me, 
all other men are like brothers. I thought I was 
above all love, and all men and women should b* 
above all human frailties too. But after all, we 



110 JUST HUMAN NATURE 

are ALL nothing but human beings. All subject 
to the laws of God which are the laws of nature, 
and which control our likes and dislikes. If you 
are not strongly attached to me, if you have not 
an all-absorbing passion for me, you would have 
if we were thrown in each others society day 
after day for a short time. You would love me. 

The Divine laws of our beings cannot be 
changed much as we fight against it. Ah! but 
that was the fire of youth, too modest to express. 
Now age has come and all love is gone. 

Yes, that is the fire in the heart of every ma- 
ture woman when she meets her ideal, the one 
man she loves. But I doubt if it has ever been so 
expressed by any woman. 

The name of the author of the following ex- 
quisite bit of verse is unknown to me. I quote : 
"The first flower of the spring is not so fair 
Or bright as one the ripe midsummer brings. 
The first faint note the forest warbler sings 
Is not so rich with feeling, or so rare, 
As when, full master of true art, the air 
Drowns in the liquid sea of song he flings 
Like silver spray from beak and breast and wings. 
The artist's earliest efforts, wrought with care, 
The bard's first ballad, written in his tears, 
Set by his later toil seems poor and tame. 
So with the passions of maturer years; 
Let those who will demand the first fond flame 
Give me the heart's last love — for that is best." 

September, 1913. 



JUST HUMAN NATURE HI 

March 27, 1922. 
Dear Mr. T.— 

For your kind and unselfish suggestion to make 
several of my poems more elegant in expression 
by your own thought and work, I thank you, but 
I cannot accept. My writings must be my own, 
mine entirely, or I do not want them however 
much better they might be. 

I would never have written one word than to 
have written an expression of another without 
giving full credit therefore. 

I do not care how crude anything I write may 
appear to the mind of superlatively cultured peo- 
ple; all I want and all I can be content with is 
that they must be my own, my original expres- 
sion and original ideas. And as I have several 
times told you, for that one reason especially I 
wanted an expert in literature to go over my 
work ; so that if subconsciously I might have used 
an expression belonging to another it could be 
eliminated. And for such critic to know that 
what I had written was mine. 

Again thanking you, I am Sincerely, 

Idaemay Clarendon Kline. 

NOTE : I wish to say that three expert liter- 
ary critices and numerous friends have carefully 
gone over all my writings for publication. I give 
the public one of a number of letters received by 
me. Though the wording in many cases has been 



112 JUST HUMAN NATURE 

different, all have contained high praise; and 
verbally all have been unanimous in saying my 
thoughts were beautiful and beautifully express- 
ed. For which I return my sincere thanks. 

Idaemay Clarendon Kline. 

1037 Fourth St., Louisville, Ky„ 

April 5, 1922. 
My Dear Miss Kline : 

Having made a critical examination of your 
writings I find them of high merit, and worthy of 
being printed in a volume for the public. The 
Love poems have a delicacy of thought and ex- 
pression combined with strength. The Nature 
Poems are almost unusual in their clear love and 
appreciation of many phases of nature, many of 
them are unique in their conception. 

These poems, with the Children's Jingles, will 
make a very attractive volume. Wishing you all 
success in this, I am 

Yours most sincerely, 

Frances C. Simpson. 



